Cloud computing can be referred as a deployment model, designed to support for technology infrastructure in terms of cost, hi-tech hardware, storage capacity along with addressing scalability concerns. Cloud relies on sharing computing resources – where organizational data get stored, critical applications are executed, business data hosted, and services are deployed. It is introduced contrary to physical storage including local servers and personal devices. This is just a structural cloud computing definition – Purpose & working platform to give an understanding.
Definition of Cloud Computing ‘Cloud’ is a cliché, used as a metaphor for Internet – when combined with ‘Computing’ it narrates an internet-based computing. In simple words cloud computing comprises of virtual servers provided over the Internet for the organization through which various services are delivered to the client including storage & applications. When it comes to defining the term in broader prospectus its meaning fuzzier – resource pooling, wider network accessibility, instant scalability and much more are included in cloud computing. Cloud computing emphasized on information technology’s core requirements – increased capacity without spending on new infrastructure, purchasing new software, managing complex application, training human resource. Cloud’s pay-per-use model caters it all along with minimal numbers on expense sheet.
Cloud Computing – How it Works The objective of cloud computing to provide the high performance computing technology traditionally available to governmental authorities and military, within the reach of individual and small businesses. It is equally tempting to large enterprises especially because of its cost efficiency. Cloud computing incorporates large groups of servers facilitating low cost client systems with secured connection to perform execution of critical software and applications. Cloud Computing uses virtualization techniques to improve productivity. This supercomputing technology is capable of delivering trillions of computation per second – it assists in performing client oriented task at a rapid pace. Multiple systems are linked in this shared infrastructure harnessing resources from the cloud server.
Cloud Computing – Standards The protocols and standards of cloud computing are not fully defined yet, cloud providers are following their own technologies for connecting systems, devices, applications and software of their clients. Technologies selected are usually open standards ‘blue cloud’ adopted by IBM. In order to provide Web 2.0 capabilities for link establishment between computers, open source software are used by many for instance mobile commerce & mash-ups.
Cloud Computing – Some Striking Features Let’s take a look on some prominent features worthy to be mentioned in cloud computing definition.
- Scalability Cloud is elastic in nature; it means you, can expand its infrastructure in terms of application & software, storage & protection and server processing. Its dynamism not just allows you to expand but also enables to contract automatically. The visualization technology is not mandatory to perform this. Its architecture is design to support variation in requirement of the client.
- Abstract Technology Cloud gives you freedom from limitations of the operating system and specific infrastructure. You do not require worrying about underlying infrastructure utilized to develop an application. It enables you to deploy an application over the virtual server to be accessed at client’s end.
- Resource Sharing In cloud computing definition, resource sharing is one the integral part – The most basic of all, architecture is designed to share compute & network resources of cloud infrastructure among applications. It contract and expand as per need of the organization. Instead of adding more servers for application, cloud consumes resources from other server as required.
- Platform Scalability & resource sharing are considered as primary architectural indicators of cloud computing – it provides a platform to develop and deploy the application over the cloud hosting platform. It is clear from the platform provision that cloud computing is a deployment model.
Cloud Computing – Ending Comment Cloud computing is gaining appeal & recognition as it enables data centers to function like Internet – it allows accessibility and sharing of computing resources as virtual resource hub in a secured and scalable way. It is also cost effective due to its pay per use model, medium sized businesses & home based users are considering cloud as the most feasible option available.